Pam

I want to thank Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Looking for Jane. All opinions presented are solely mine.

CW/TW: abortion, suicide, violence

A great book about women and their rights.

This story isn't just about abortion, nor is it just about motherhood, and it is a story about women in general. Looking for Jane shares the stories of three women trying to have a say in their lives and their bodies at various points in their lives. While this book covers over 50 years, it tells a story that still holds true now.

If you enjoy reading books about strong women, who may be flawed, I think this book is for you. If you enjoy reading books about little-known parts of history, I think this book is for you.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

The language was refreshing because it felt natural. There are times when authors try to leave out swear words, and it feels unnatural. That isn't to say that every book needs to have swear words, but when a character gives the vibe that they would occasionally use such words and then they don't, it feels weird.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the duology (?), as the ending of this was a bit of a cliffhanger.

A solid 3.5

I want to thank Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Put Out to Pasture. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, I feel you will enjoy reading Put Out to Pasture. The first Amanda Flower book I read was Farm to Trouble, the first book in this series. I have heard many great things about the author and will have to read some of her backlist while I wait for news on book three.

For a more in-depth review, visit my blog at: https://readbakecreate.com/put-out-to-pasture-by-amanda-flower-book-review/

An entertaining collection of short stories about life.

I'm not sure how to even rate or review this book. I must say though if you do read it, please do the book justice and listen to the audiobook! It has a full ensemble cast of characters.

SPRAKKAR (plural noun): (pronounced SPRAH-car) an ancient Icelandic word meaning extraordinary or outstanding women; sprakki (singular form)

This short work of nonfiction is a letter from Eliza Reid to her adoptive country. It is also a letter to the world explaining how Iceland has worked hard to achieve a gender balance and is working to ensure all people have an equal foothold in society.

Secrets of the Sprakkar is an eye-opening look at how one country is working hard towards gender equity. It encourages every reader to think of sprakkar in their lives. And how they can be the sprakki in their own life. For the non-female readers, it encourages them to support the females in their life to help achieve their goals and to take up their space.

For a more in-depth review, visit my blog post: https://readbakecreate.com/secrets-of-the-sprakkar-by-eliza-reid-book-review/

This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, in case you couldn't guess by the title and the cover image. But this isn't your typical fairytale retelling. Zinnia has been cursed with a birth defect that has left her counting down the days until her 21st birthday, as that's the age everyone has told her she will die. On her birthday, she suddenly finds herself in a different world, where there is another cursed princess. Will Zinnia help the new princess fight for her curse to end? What about Zinnia's curse?

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next Fractured Fable.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read an ARC for The Christie Affair!

3.5 stars, round up to 4

I truly wanted to love this story, but it felt unorganized and flat.

Slow start, once Poirot was back in the story it got better.

Overall this is a 2.5-3 star read. There were a few grammatical errors that took me out of the story.

Up to No Gouda is a slice of small-town New England at the beginning of summer. A slice served up with a side of an incredible cast of characters. Carly is a fierce and loyal friend to all she knows. Grant is a teenager trying to figure out what he wants, and I hope he gets to chase his dreams! Also, I want to try his tomato soup recipe. I hope Suzanne gets the happily ever after she's working toward, the same for Tiffany. I think I had better stop there, or I may spoil a few things.

One character I wish there were more of is Havarti! If you wonder who that is, he is the cute ball of fluff on the cover. I want to know more about him and see how Carly's life changes with him around.

While I did guess who the murderer was early on, I did not know the why until the end. As I read, I did find myself doubting my guess, which is what you are supposed to do, right?

Up to No Gouda is a deliciously easy-to-read cozy mystery. And I, for one, can't wait for the sequel, No Parm No Foul, to be released.

CW/TW: death, grief, depression, suicide

This was a fantastic read. While I had figured out who wrote the reading list before the end, it still hit me in the feels and made me cry.

A fun easy read, with a bit of steam.

A wonderful anthology of love stories. Many of which are retold from various mythologies.

Overall the story was interesting. I just wasn't expecting the on page sex. The mystery part could have been better written, and more in the forefront.

I did appreciate the fact the majority of females in the book were STEM focused.

A fictionalized account of Dickens writing A Christmas Carol.

Many parts seemed to mirror A Christmas Carol, which was a great way to tell the story.

Easy read, was enjoyable. I didn't guess who the culprit was.

Story was good. Not a fan of Darcy.

Initially I did not see the culprit. But as Poirot explained it to all parties, I saw the clues I missed. Still a fun read!

I want to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Must Love Books. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

I have seen this book marketed as a romance in many places, and while there is a romance in the book, it doesn't feel like a romance read. I say that because it isn't the main focus of the book. In most romance books I've read, romance is the story's primary focus, and this feels more like a contemporary with a romance side-story.

Overall, I enjoyed the read. If you like a fun yet serious contemporary with some romance, you will like this book.

For a more in-depth review, visit my blog post: https://readbakecreate.com/must-love-books-by-shauna-robinson-book-review/

I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Maid. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

I was excited when I first learned about The Maid. Why? Because the synopsis I read states it is a Clue-like, locked room experience. I love the game Clue; it's possibly my favorite game of all time. That said, this book did not deliver on that promise, and I feel let down. I did not guess who the murderer was. Honestly, I had no inkling as to who it was. And the reveal surprised me. But the book does not live up to the comparison to Clue. I can't explain more, sorry.

Those around her describe Molly as being robotic and overly literal as other people's emotions are hard for her to understand. Others have trouble understanding Molly, as she doesn't act like a typical 20-something, nor does she speak like one. This causes problems with the police, as her actions make her appear more guilty in their eyes.

Molly felt like she was alone and had no family throughout much of the book. And the people she thought she could rely on to be there for her used her for their gains. By the end of the book, though, she had discovered a group of friends upon whom she could rely and consider them family. And that is something that I liked about the book.

One thing I did not like about Molly is that she is an unreliable narrator. I don't think this is the first time I've come across this in a book. But I can say it is not something that I like, and at least not how it was written here. Sorry, I am vague about this, but I can't say more without some spoilers.

Something else that I do not like about the book is the theme or thought throughout it that says how sometimes you have to do something bad for something good to happen. In my mind, that's the opposite of two wrongs don't make a right. It also goes against the do unto others as you'd have them do unto you philosophy. As you can see, I don't know how doing something bad can lead to something good happening.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Morgan James Fiction in exchange for my honest review.

The message of the book is an important one to share. But I feel as though it could have been done in a better way.

I found the change between the current action and the “before” action a bit jarring. In the book, the present time is told in the first person, whereas the history is told in the third person with multiple points of view. This switch in pronouns and POV makes the story feel a bit cluttered.

I'm honestly not sure what my feelings are about this book, and it's been almost 24 hours since I finished reading it. I just know that it's not a favorite book.

I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Holiday Swap. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

The recipe for The Holiday Swap:
Mix equal parts The Great British Baking Show, The Parent Trap, and Hallmark Holiday Movie in one 350 page novel. Enjoy!
If you like any of these ingredients, you will like this book!

I found this to be a great holiday read. It is easy to read, where the only confusion maybe during some of the scenes when Charlie and Cass have swapped places.

For a more in-depth review, visit my blog: https://readbakecreate.com/the-holiday-swap-by-maggie-knox-book-review/